By Hassan Zaggi
Options, a leading global health organization has concluded plans to bring together representatives from the government, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and expert in the health sector to discuss and proffer solutions that will lead to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), in Nigeria.
The event is aimed at providing a platform for collaborative discussions, insights, and innovative solutions toward achieving UHC in Nigeria.
This is part of the celebration of its 30th anniversary.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Wednesday, the Regional Director, Options Consultancy Services,
Dr. Ufuoma Festus Omo-Obi , disclosed that theme of the 30th anniversary is: ‘From vision to reality – unlocking health prosperity and universal health coverage in Nigeria.’
According to him: “Globally, governments have establish huge ambition, the ambition is around UHC which everyone everywhere in planet earth by 2030 should have access to healthcare without stress. That ties very well with the mission of our organization.
“This miles we are celebrating is to also look at what we have done to advance UHC as an organization and also we believe that there is a lot that needs to be done.
“A lot of progress has been made and a lot more needs to be done and that is why we are going to be convening an event.
“We felt that the best way to celebrate is to bring experts together- to bring government into the room, to bring CSOs, and people who are accountable and responsible for health care delivery.
“We believe that this will be a moment like kind of bringing these experts together to talk about UHC and what catalytic actions needs to be taken and what collaboration needs to be in place to advance the delivery of health by 2030 for all Nigerians.
“For us as an organization, we remain committed and passionate about working with partners and stakeholders. We believe that broad-based partnership and collaboration will always lead to sound and sustainable development. We need to work with others.”
While stressing that his organization will continue to remain consistent in the effort to ensure that Nigeria attains UHC, Dr. Festus said: “We can’t slowdown in supporting initiatives to achieve UHC, we can’t slowdown in demanding accountability, we can’t slowdown in amplifying and working with CSOs, working with government to ensure that there is human resources for health. We can’t slow on speaking about financing for health.”
The occasion, he revealed will be Co-Chaired by the Director General, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Prof. Mohammed Sambo, and President; Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), Prof. O.A Ladipo.
The discussion will be chaired by a seasoned MD, Health Economist and Health Systems Strengthening Specialist, Dr. Nkata Chuku, Founding Partner, HSCL Group.
He noted that the gathering will bring together esteemed and prominent thought leaders, policymakers, funders, local and international organizations, government officials and stakeholders from the health sector, to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities in achieving universal health care (UHC) for all by the year 2030.
Marking three decades of dedication to improving global health, Options Dr. Festus stressed, remained committed to promoting equitable access to quality healthcare services and catalyzing advancements in healthcare systems.
According to him, participants at the event will have the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions, networking, and knowledge-sharing sessions that will contribute to shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.
He, however, assured that his organization is looking forward to continued collaboration with the government and civil society organisations in bringing forth home-grown solutions towards UHC.
“Together, let’s pave the way for a healthier and more prosperous future for all Nigerians,” Dr. Festus reiterated.
